The Patriots lost yet again in Miami, losing 31-17 to the Dolphins. With the loss, the Patriots fall to 2-6 on the season and 2-2 in the AFC East. They are now 17-42 all time against the Dolphins in Miami.
Here are seven points on today’s loss.
1. Defense disappoints: The defense was inconsistent. They made plays early on and kept the Patriots in the game but their inability to get consistent pressure on Tua Tagovailoa and get off the field on third down was a major problem and ultimately proved to be costly.
2. Mac’s red zone interception: Jones killed a potential touchdown drive by forcing a ball into double coverage. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey kicked off the pass intended for Kendrick Bourne and that ended the promising drive. It was a bad read and decision by Jones. Despite playing better of late, he is still pressing and forcing ball into areas he shouldn’t.
3. Third down efficiency on offense: The Patriots were 1 of 9 on third down. You cannot win at any level of football converting only one third down. It’s gross. I am sure Bill O’Brien will emphasize third down situations this week.
4. Injuries at receiver: Both DeVante Parker and Kendrick Bourne went down with injuries. An already subpar receiving corp became thinner. I guess the only silver lining is that JuJu Smith-Schuster got to play more and he scored his first regular season touchdown as a Patriot. Smith-Schuster was also at the center of a big hit after a Dolphins interception to seal the game. He croaked safety Brandon Jones which drew the ire of Jones teammates.
5. Ground game non-existent: The Patriots need to run the football consistently enough if the offense is going to stay on schedule. They did not in this game, rushing for 77 total yards. Coming into this season, Rhamondre Stevenson was projected to be a top ten running back. He has been anything but. Ezekiel Elliott had not been much better.
6. Protection issues: The Patriots offensive line had some protection issues in obvious pressure situations. Miami was able to get penetration both off the edge and when blitzing from depth. Miami finished with three sacks and seven quarterback pressures.
- Dugger has a day: Safety Kyle Dugger had his best game of the season finishing with an interception, a sack and nine total tackles (seven solo) in the loss. He played really well and reinforced the notion that the Patriots need to re-sign him. He is their best defensive player right now.